Advisory Board: Some invaluable advice on success

Have you just left school and started looking for your first real job? Or are you just starting off in a brand-new career?

Without much experience, it’s tough to know the best way to succeed. There are so many variables across so many offices and industries. But there are a few universal truths.

Here’s some of our best advice, offered by the 2014 Women@Work Advisory Board, a group of powerful Capital Region professional women who’ve been there — where you are now starting or relaunching your career — and where you’ll be eventually! — moving way, way up the ladder.

Anne SailePresident, The Saile Group

Every day that you spend at work is a stepping stone for creating your future. Handle yourself in a way that will create your reputation for being a credible, trustworthy, reliable, efficient team member who can be counted on. Never hide mistakes — ask questions when you don’t understand how to do something. Don’t feel you have to ‘work like a man;’ you have to work like a capable competent women who has a passion for her job who speaks up and asks for what she needs and works to become the best.

Kathleen GodfreyFounder, Godfrey Financial Associates

Get experience in many different facets of your career — don’t pigeonhole yourself. Breadth of experience is as important as any professional credentialing. Having both breadth and depth will make you an indispensable team member.

Theresa MarangasPartner, Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker

Be open, smile a lot, don’t take things personally, be professional and remember it’s your choice whether to soar with the eagles or run with the roaches. My last piece of advice is a bit controversial: if you need to cry due to a job-related issues, I suggest you leave your desk and take a walk outside the work area. If your job prevents you from leaving your desk, pop something with mint in your mouth (gum, mentos) and drink warm water to get you through to end of day.

Marri AvizaPresident, Rumors Salon & Day Spa

If I was to lend one piece of advice to any young professional just starting out, it would be to grow and develop your professional network. It is through these reciprocal relationships that you will achieve the greatest success.

Curran StreettExecutive Director, Pride Center of the Capital Region

When interviewing for jobs, prepare questions to ask the interviewer. This can be what sets you apart. Go above and beyond as much as you can in your position, volunteer when the chance arises. You may get exposure you wouldn’t otherwise and learn new and transferable skills.

Own your personal and professional success. Take personal responsibility for your career development of skills, knowledge and expertise. Figure out how to balance work and family early in your career and don’t compromise your own personal needs.

Kristen BerdarPartner, BST

My advice to women just starting out is that you learn as much from doing things wrong as you do from doing things right. Make every day a learning experience; be proactive and be engaged in your career.

Julie Massry KnoxSales and Marketing Manager Tri City Rentals

My advice to young women just starting their careers is to not only focus on their specific job description but to expand their knowledge base within their company. It’s rare for a department to be self-contained and a great way to stand out and become more knowledgeable about your company and industry is to learn how other departments in the organization work.

Frances O’RourkeMarket Manager, Key Private Bank – Capital Region

Nothing can take the place of hard work and integrity. Give your all to the challenges in front of you but remember to also keep your sense of humor — it will help you keep perspective.

When beginning your career, make sure to listen and observe. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake, as long as you bring it to a supervisor’s attention and learn from it so it is not repeated.

Tammis GroftExecutive Director and Chief Curator

Present a strong work ethic. Always conduct yourself in a highly professional manner, be respectful of others, be positive, be on time, be willing to work on any project and go the extra mile to get the job done. And be a team player.

Kirsten WynnDirector of Special Projects and International Initiatives Women Presidents’ Organization

My advice to those just beginning their career is to be flexible and willing to take on new challenges to show that you can be trusted, respected and seen as a versatile asset to the company.

Joella ViscusiPresident, Ambient Environmental, Inc.

Keep a positive attitude! Albeit difficult at times, don’t get discouraged — push forward and maintain a positive attitude. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!!

Andrea Crisafulli RussoPresident, Crisafulli Bros. Plumbing & Heating

In light of today’s job market, I would encourage you to go ahead and accept a position even if it isn’t exactly what you may want. No matter how well you plan, you will travel down many unexpected paths in your career. Trust your intuition and stay open to new opportunities within, and outside, of the organization currently employing you.

Deb BestPrincipal and owner, Deb Best Practices

Build your ‘Board of Directors’ early on! Your BOD is comprised of mentors and sponsors, women and men, who appear in your path (e.g. your parents, teachers, colleagues, supervisors, older ‘siblings from other mothers’ who have traveled a similar path before you, etc.) not only to act as guideposts along your career path, but who also see who you are, reflecting back your strengths and gifts authentically, giving you multiple data points with which to make critical and informed decisions.

1. Work hard. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.
2. Consider no task too menial.
3. Attitude is everything.
4. Own your work.
5. Think.
6. The ultimate goal should be to make yourself invaluable to your team and workplace.

Ann HughesFidelis Care public relations manager

Make a real investment in your work. Commit to doing it well and growing in your position. Be accountable, be conscientious, and try to learn something from everyone you work with.